4.9

Get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically.

Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants or Amazon.com up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate. Plus, 1% unlimited cash back automatically on all other purchases.

Good Grades Rewards: $20 cash back each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.

No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.

Get 100% U.S. based customer service & get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score, number of recent inquiries and more.

Review Breakdown: Student Cards

The credit card options for college students looking to build credit are sometimes limited, especially once you eliminate predatory fee-harvesting cards from the mix. That's why our staff recommends just a small handful of cards to students, summarized in the table below. if you see a card that appeals to you, simply click the card name to visit its official issuer website.

5 Tips for Using a Student Credit Card

Student credit cards are a great way to build your credit history and learn about managing debt. The earlier you begin, the better off you’ll be down the road. But if you’re new to using credit or made some credit mistakes in the past, we’ve got five tips for using a student credit card you should know.

1. Read the terms carefully

Understanding the fees, interest charges and penalties that come with your student credit card may not be easy, but it’s essential for you to try to understand. Some student cards charge an annual fee, even if you never use it. This can end up being expensive and it isn’t necessary. Others charge you very high interest, which can cost you hundreds more in charges every year. Compare the terms and choose the best card for your needs.

2. Understand the language

The terms and acronyms credit card issuers use might seem like a different language. Knowing what they mean will help you stay ahead of the game and out of debt. Learn what the APR is for your student credit card and how much it will cost to carry a balance. You should also know whether you have a variable rate, what fees you’ll be charged and the length of the carrier’s grace period.

3. Don’t overdo it

Just like staying up and partying all night can lead to regrets the next day, using your card in excess can cause a financial hangover. Don’t overspend on your student credit card – you’ll need to pay every penny back eventually. Before using your card to make a purchase, ask two questions: Can you pay cash for this instead, and do you really need the item? Staying ahead of debt is the best way to avoid too much of it.

4. Avoid cash advances

It may be tempting to pull cash from your student credit card when things are tight, but don’t do it. Cash advances cost you the maximum interest rates and they typically charge a high transfer fee. This is a really expensive way to get a loan. Exhaust all other options before resorting to a cash advance.

5. Take your debts seriously

Get into the habit of treating debt like a valuable tool, but one to use sparingly. Respect the power of credit and the responsibility that goes along with it. Building a good credit history is a matter of using debt but not overdoing it. Establish good habits now and you’ll have a much easier time in the future.

A student credit card is a great way to learn solid credit management while building toward a good credit score. If you’re responsible with your credit today, you’ll reap the benefits in the future.

Photo source: accurateleands.com

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Editorial Note: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information, however all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on an offer you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your offer.

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